The Best Ski Trailers for Kids: Cross Country Ski Pulks Compared

Equipment Guides
Written by Nordic-Skier.com

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A ski trailer (sometimes called a ski pulk or chariot) lets you keep skiing after kids arrive. Your child rides warm and bundled while you tow them along groomed trails. The catch: most "ski trailers" are really bike trailers with a ski conversion kit, and the kit you choose matters more than the trailer for how the skiing feels.

Quick answer: The best kid ski trailer right now is the Thule Chariot Cross 2 paired with the Thule Chariot Cross-Country Skiing Kit 2. Its single tow bar and built-in suspension make it the only setup we'd recommend for skate skiing.

Our Picks at a Glance

Why the Tow Bar Setup Matters Most

We've towed our kid for seasons in an older Thule Chariot with Thule's original cross-country ski kit. Our child was comfortable and warm every time. The skiing was another story.

The original kit (and Burley's kit) uses two tow bars that clip to either side of a waist belt. That works fine for slow classic skiing. For skate skiing, the two bars sit right where your arms swing, so they get in the way of every pole plant. The trailer is also front heavy when it's unhitched, so it tips forward every time you stop to unclip.

Thule's newer Cross-Country Skiing Kit 2 fixes the core problem. It uses a single tow bar, which keeps the space beside your hips clear for poling. It also adds integrated suspension that you can turn on or off depending on whether you're classic or skate skiing.

1. Best Overall: Thule Chariot Cross 2 + Cross-Country Skiing Kit 2

Check price on Amazon: Thule Chariot Cross 2 (Double)
Check price on Amazon: Thule Chariot Cross 2 (Single)
Check price on Amazon: Thule Cross-Country Skiing Kit 2

The Chariot Cross 2 is Thule's mid-range multisport trailer, built to bike, jog, stroll and ski. It uses Thule's redesigned FlipWing attachment system, which is what the Skiing Kit 2 clicks into.

Why we like it:

  • Single aluminum tow bar keeps your arms and poles free, which is the biggest upgrade for skate skiers.

  • Integrated, adjustable suspension in the tow bar smooths out the ride. Turn it on or off for classic or skate.

  • Upgraded padded harness for the person towing.

  • The skis attach so you can also push the trailer like a stroller on skis.

  • Modular seating fits one child in the middle or two side by side, with one-hand recline for naps.

  • Included rain cover and sun canopy.

Things to know:

  • Expensive. The trailer is around $1,400 to $1,500 and the ski kit is around $400, so plan on roughly $1,800 to $1,900 total.

  • The Skiing Kit 2 only fits Thule's FlipWing trailers (the second-generation Chariots). It does not fit older VersaWing Chariots. Check Thule's compatibility list before you buy.

  • The Skiing Kit 2 is new and still has very few Amazon reviews. One early reviewer reported a tight fit when installing it, so test the install at home before your first trip.

2. Best Premium: Thule Chariot Sport 2

Check price on Amazon: Thule Chariot Sport 2

The Chariot Sport 2 is Thule's top-end multisport trailer. It shares the FlipWing system with the Cross 2, so it takes the same single-tow-bar Skiing Kit 2. It adds an integrated LED light (powered by a Thule power bank, sold separately) and extra control features for steeper terrain and running.

Best for: families who will use the trailer year-round for biking and running as well as skiing, and want the most refined version. If you mainly ski, the Cross 2 gets you the same ski setup for less.

3. Best for Classic Skiers on a Budget: Thule Chariot Lite + Original Cross Country Skiing Kit

Check price on Amazon: Thule Chariot Lite
Check price on Amazon: Thule Chariot Cross Country Skiing Kit (original)

The Chariot Lite uses Thule's VersaWing system, which fits the original Cross Country Skiing Kit. This is essentially the setup we've used for years.

The good: the kid sits up off the snow, warm and comfortable, with leaf spring suspension and good weather protection. The original ski kit is well reviewed and includes two telescoping tow bars, a padded waist belt with a bottle holder, and a locking pin.

The bad: the two tow bars attach at both hips, which gets in the way of poling, especially when skate skiing. And when you unclip, the trailer is front heavy and wants to tip forward.

Best for: classic skiers who want Thule quality for less, or anyone buying a used first-generation Chariot (Chariot Sport, Cross or Lite). The original kit fits those Gen 1 trailers.

4. Best Value: Burley Encore X or D'Lite X + Burley Ski Kit

Check price on Amazon: Burley Encore X
Check price on Amazon: Burley D'Lite X
Check price on Amazon: Burley Bike Trailer Ski Kit

Burley is the main alternative to Thule. The Encore X is a two-seat trailer with suspension, a detachable seat and a parking brake. The D'Lite X steps up with adjustable suspension, individually reclining seats and premium seat pads. Both are compatible with Burley's ski kit.

The Burley Ski Kit uses a push-button system to swap wheels for skis, a padded waist harness and adjustable tow bars. Like Thule's original kit, it uses two tow bars, so expect the same poling interference for skate skiing.

Best for: classic skiers who want a capable ski trailer for noticeably less money. Check Burley's compatibility list: the kit fits the Encore X, D'Lite X, Cub X and several older Burley models, but not every Burley trailer.

What About Retrospec and Other Budget Trailers?

Budget bike trailers like the Retrospec Rover are popular and well reviewed for biking. But we couldn't find a ski conversion kit made for them, and DIY ski conversions on a trailer carrying a child aren't something we recommend. If skiing is the goal, buy a trailer with a manufacturer-made ski kit.

Ski Trailer Accessories Worth Considering

How to Choose a Kid Ski Trailer

  • Classic or skate? If you skate ski, a single tow bar is close to essential. Two-bar kits are fine for classic.

  • Kit compatibility: ski kits are trailer-specific. Match the kit to your trailer's generation and attachment system.

  • One kid or two: doubles are wider and heavier to tow but give siblings room (and space for gear when you only have one rider).

  • Suspension: groomed trails get bumpy. Suspension in the trailer and the tow bar makes a big difference for napping kids.

  • Weather protection: look for a full rain cover, adjustable vents and room for a warm bunting or blanket.

  • Year-round use: most of these trailers also bike, stroll and jog, which helps justify the price.

Tips for Skiing With a Kid Trailer

  • Dress your child warmer than you dress yourself. You're working hard; they're sitting still. See our guide to how to dress for cross country skiing.

  • Start on flat, wide, groomed trails before tackling hills.

  • Keep the stops short and check on your rider often.

  • Check trail rules before you go. Some nordic centers restrict pulks to certain trails.

FAQ

Can you skate ski with a kid ski trailer?

Yes, but it's much easier with a single tow bar like Thule's Cross-Country Skiing Kit 2. Two-bar kits clip to both hips and tend to get in the way of your poles.

Does the Thule Skiing Kit 2 fit my older Chariot?

No. Kit 2 clicks into Thule's FlipWing system, found on the second-generation Chariots like the Cross 2 and Sport 2. Older VersaWing Chariots need the original Cross Country Skiing Kit.

Can I put skis on a Retrospec or other budget bike trailer?

We haven't found a purpose-built ski kit for budget trailers. For skiing with a child, stick with a trailer that has a manufacturer-made ski kit, such as Thule or Burley.

Is a ski trailer worth the money?

If you want to keep skiing regularly with a young child, yes. Most of these trailers double as bike trailers and strollers the rest of the year.

Nordic-Skier.com
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The Best Cross Country Skis for Beginners - Classic Skis